Two Things I Ask of You
During our Philippians study last week, an interesting passage from Proverbs came to my mind: ‘Two things I ask of you; don’t deny them to me before I die: Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor wealth; feed me with the food I need. Otherwise, I might have too much and deny you, saying, “Who is the Lord?” or I might have nothing and steal, profaning the name of my God.’ (Proverbs 30:7-9)
The prosperity gospel is a popular enticement used by televangelists: If you truly believe in God (and send lots of money to our ministry), God will bless you with great wealth. Certainly, there are stories in the Bible of people of faith who reap great rewards because of it. But there are also plenty of stories of people who suffer for their faith. No one’s standing with God should ever be determined from their circumstances.
Consider the story of the man born blind in John 9. The disciples assumed his blindness had to be punishment for someone’s sin, and asked Jesus about it. Jesus gently rebuked them for their assumption. It wasn’t anyone’s sin, Jesus told them, but it was an opportunity for God’s power and glory to be displayed in him. That’s exactly what happened—the man received his sight, and God was glorified.
On another occasion (Luke 12:42-48), Jesus compared two servants: one who, while the owner of the household was away, mistreated his fellow servants. The other fulfilled his duties faithfully and made certain that all of the other servants were treated fairly. One servant was punished, the other entrusted with even more. Jesus summed up the parable by saying that those who have more are expected to do more (see Luke 12:48). It’s not what you have that matters, but how you use it.
I imagine Paul recalling these stories as he praised the Philippians for the assistance they offered him whenever he was in need—as much as they were able, even if that amount was small. He had learned how to be content, no matter how much or little he had. His secret was this: “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
If we are faithful with the things that God has given us, whether it be a little or a lot, we will be commended when the Lord returns. Let’s never forget who our strength comes from!
—Rick Rossing
